This article considers the actual problems of teaching about religion in public schools. The implementation of the educational concept outlined in the «Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching about Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools» (2007) has been the subject of a vivid international discussion. Supporters of the new approach to teaching religion hope that the lessons of modern religious and non-religious beliefs and practices will promote tolerance and mutual understanding. Critics question not only the methods, but even the goal of the new educational strategy: the achievement of social peace in modern complex societies through the lessons of religion. Despite the fact that the context is fundamentally different from Western countries, the appearance of religious lessons in Russian school raises similar questions. What are the goals of the course on religion: indoctrination or the acquisition of knowledge? How does pedagogical theory and practice ensure the neutrality or engagement of teaching religion in school?