Protestant theology seems to dismiss the fact that faith fuels action, especially the type of action (i.e., practice or “works”) that would be ego-effacing and lead to a refinement of such faith. The depth of sraddha expressed here by Srila Sridhara Maharaja is unknown in other traditions.

Still, since the source of faith is divine, I find it hard to understand how our effort can increase faith. How does our effort, tainted by material conditioning, become purified? Perhaps faith in the instructions of Sri Guru are essential?

Is the Gaudiya understanding that: we are absorbed in sense perception so Krishna must come to us through our Guru to guide us away from exploitation?