I have a friend who is really deep into church stuff,some months ago his dad died,during d burial rite he was asked do partake in some form of traditional act at mid-night which I feel has a spiritual effect.although I never discourage him not to perform d rituals since d person in question was his dad.but my view was that he was going contrary to his religion which he rebuff immediately saying it was just what custom demands,,,....so am putting forward to u guys,what's your take on this?

Absolutely NO.

Culture norms and religious believes are Totally opposite in nature.

You will never find anyone who is 100% in religious activities still partaking in any kind of Custom practices.

If you find such, such a person in either an hypocrite or just naturally an "I don't care" kind of person.

Why Culture backs it believe on putting hopes and trust on a god of the lands which needs to have different rites, rituals and appease to be performed.

Religion on the other hand believes in the TOTAL Submission to the Supreme Being (God)

What are we talking about here? Religion is an example of culture so? If tradition demands you do a particular thing your conscience does not prick you, you can go ahead. I say this because i know dt there is but one god and everything revolves around d mind so if his mind was clear on dt then no probs. Paul had an understanding of this when he said eating a meat offered to idol is not wrong...as long as an act does not have a negative effect on your neighbour and your conscience is clear with dt, no biggie! Motive matters d most