What is the difference between a sraddhabhasa and a sraddhavan?
Kanistha-adhikaris, or devotees still on the lower platform of devotional service, are known as sraddhabhasa because they have no firm faith. Statements about renunciation, austerities, exclusive devotion, or full surrender are theoretical to such persons. Of course, its not that renunciation or austerities or conditional surrender produce prema. In order to be successful in achieving prema-bhakti, devotees must have unflinching faith in the Supreme Lord. The Seventh Canto describes that even though we may be expert in all brahminical activities—we may be religious, moral, detached, humble, tolerant, prepared to offer sacrifices, and know the scriptures—if we are proud of our position and have not surrendered body, mind, and words to the Supreme Lord, we are considered lower than a person who, although born in a dog-eater family, has completely dedicated everything to Krishna’s service. False brahmanas cannot even purify themselves, what to speak of others, whereas those born in families of dog-eaters but who have surrendered body, mind, and words to the Lord’s service can purify not only themselves but their entire family for generations before and after themselves. Those who possess such firm faith and who sincerely want to dedicate their lives to serving Krishna are called sraddhavan.
(LFD, Vol2, Faith—The Price for the Holy Name, Pg 100 and Pg 101)