The article refers to a project launched in 2003 by members of the Department of History of the State University of Campinas in partnership with the Sao Paulo State Department of Education. The author argues that Religious Education has to be understood as a field of knowledge and cultural formation universal in character and capable of promoting respect for all types of religion. Based on personal experience with professors at public schools, especially on quarrels and debates which occurred during official meetings, the final part of the article intends to stimulate specific didactic activities such as the use of movies in the context of religious education.