"Cultus" is often translated as "cult" without the negative connotations the word may have in English, or with the Old English word "worship", but it implies the necessity of active maintenance beyond passive adoration. "Cultus" was expected to matter to the gods as a demonstration of respect, honor, and reverence; it was an aspect of the contractual nature of Roman religion (see "do ut des"). Augustine of Hippo echoes Cicero's formulation when he declares, ""religion" is nothing other than the "cultus" of God."