Godless is defined as a state without gods. This definition of godless is almost identical to the broad definition of atheism. Thus the definition of godless and godlessness track closely with atheistic, nontheistic, and ungodly. Godless also tracks closely with irreligion and irreligious, even though being without gods isn't quite the same as being without religion.
While the basic definition of godless is neutral, the use of the label godless is frequently negative due to the popular assumption that belief in gods is necessary for morality and civilization. Throughout history the label "godless" been applied to states, institutions, system, and people as a criticism rather than a neutral,, factual description.
The Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition, offers the follow definition of godless:
godless: a. Of persons, systems of thought, etc.: Without a god; not recognizing or worshipping God; irreligious, ungodly. b.b Of actions, etc.: Done without regard to God; impious, wicked.
The use of "wicked" as a definition of godless occurs in the definition of atheism as well. This underscores not just the how the two are essentially the same, but also the hostility which people have had towards atheism and godlessness. That a godless person or atheist could be as kind, decent, and moral as everyone else simply wasn't accepted by most people.
"Military men rushed thither to partake of all sorts of godless delights."
- Thackeray Four Georges, 1861
"Behold God's indignation on these Godless pourd."
- Milton, 1667
Hitler had told the German people that defeat of Franco's forces would mean victory for Bolshevism over Europe. As the National Socialist government exploited the civil war to gain support for their fight against Bolshevism, Galen encouraged Catholics to fight against the dangers posed by such a godless system.
- Beth A. Griech-Polelle, "The Impact of the Spanish Civil War upon Roman Catholic Clergy in Nazi Germany", in Antisemitism, Christian Ambivalence, and the Holocaust
