The "Today" show recently faced criticism from viewers after co-host Craig Melvin shared a photo of Savannah Guthrie's new book, "Mostly What God Does," on his Instagram account. Published on February 20, Guthrie's faith-based book has been a focus of several "Today" segments, interviews, and social media posts. 

The criticism highlights the deviation from their traditional format and the concerns of a diverse audience with varying beliefs and preferences.

Criticism of Religious Content

Melvin shared a photo of the book on February 23, expressing pride in Guthrie's deeply personal work about God's abundant and omnipresent love. He mentioned being proud and happy that the book has sparked many conversations. However, this action received criticism from some displeased viewers with the show's shift toward religious content.

One commenter on Craig's post said they switched to GMA, a competing morning show, this week and may not return to the "Today" show. They expressed a preference for watching Roker. Another person wrote a comment urging Guthrie to refrain from using the show to promote her religious views, stating that they are not interested.

Various comments echoed similar sentiments, with viewers expressing disinterest in the recent segments focusing on "Mostly What God Does." This included a roundtable discussion on February 21 with Savannah, Craig, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, and Carson Daly, where they talked about relying on their faith during challenging times in their lives.

Some felt the show had gone 'too far,' preferring the original content focused on news and weather. Concerns were raised about providing equal time for other religions and atheists, with one viewer suggesting that they would be pissed if they were paying to advertise on the "Today" show.

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Support From Colleagues and Fans

Despite the criticism, Guthrie's "Today" co-stars supported her project. She has continued to promote her book on her Instagram account. Guthrie is currently doing a book tour across the U.S. While Guthrie has not directly addressed the criticism, she has received love from fans who appreciate the personal nature of her book.

In response to the negativity, one supportive comment on Guthrie's Instagram page read, 'I appreciate you! Let the haters hate, they'll always be there. But this is a time where you can share your perspective & shine!'

Guthrie's book became a No. 1 Bestseller on Amazon. In a recent conversation with the LA Times, Guthrie shared that she felt compelled to write about faith when given the opportunity, considering it a core aspect of who she is.

Emphasizing that the book focuses on faith, not religion, Guthrie, who comes from a Baptist background, clarified that she is not a theologian but rather a person of faith exploring how to connect with God in the real world. The book delves into her happy and challenging life experiences, aiming to convey the role of faith in real-life situations, believing that faith often emerges during times of trial and setbacks. 

In an interview with Good Housekeeping, Guthrie emphasized that the book is not meant to persuade or proselytize readers. Rather, it highlights the importance of navigating spirituality collectively and fostering a universal connection to God.

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